LEAD: Living every day as disciples

Our synod is investing in Christian leadership formation for the sake of the church’s future. Aware of the reality of the church’s struggle, we believe God is calling us to a more exciting, vibrant future. We know that God uses people to carry the faith forward and it is time for us to be proactive. Think of LEAD and the bishop’s office as good dance partners—or two sides of a coin—working together for the purpose of deepening faith, equipping leaders, resourcing congregations, and serving the world.

We believe that 100% of congregations can grow in deeper, bolder, more consequential faith with leaders who are committed to deepening their own spiritual lives, expanding their thinking, learning from others and testing new ideas. But where do you start? LEAD will curate the best practices for Christian leadership within our theological and historical traditions. “Living every day as disciples” invites every one of us to deepen our faith one day at a time, living a life of Christian pilgrimage.

Purpose

Growing leaders with deep, bold, consequential faith

Core Beliefs

LEAD believes that spiritual leadership…

means life-long practice, encouraging the heart

risks following the Holy Spirit, envisioning the future

challenges systems of injustice, empathizing with the marginalized

constantly deepens relationships, with a bias towards action

Core Convictions

We are convinced that leading through a time of great change requires resiliency, courage, and clarity for relentless experiments to…

Listen tuning in to God’s call, to God’s mission, doing justice in our own neighborhood and the world

Center waking up to a deeper relationship with God, purposeful community, and our own identity

Connect working out of our comfort zone to expand relationships to reflect the diversity of God’s creation

“The most important one” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.”
– Mark 12:29-31